The Xtinguish Torch Fest

Celebrating along the Cuyahoga River Water Trail! Join the regional commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the famed 1969 Cuyahoga River Fire as our waterway comes together in solidarity around our shared waterway!

100 miles of beauty!

Scroll to take the route of the Torch Fest from the Headwaters to Mouth of the mighty Cuyahoga River!

Presented by

June 19th at 1:00 PM

Geauga Park District

Headwaters Park

A Native American Water Blessing, performed by the Lake Erie Native American Council, will kick-off the Xtinguish Torch Fest. This will take place on June 19th, with the inclusion of a ceremonial canoe/kayak ride — putting in at the first access point along the Cuyahoga River Water Trail — into the next location, Kent Ohio, to “pass the torch”.

City of Kent
Main Street Bridge by Franklin Mills Riveredge Park

The first Festival in the series is held in beautiful Downtown Kent! This will include an arts/cultural/music fest, a “passing of the torch” ceremony with local officials and River Stewards, the installation and dedication of a commemorative Eternal Flame on the river, and the showcasing of this destination along the Cuyahoga River Water Trail! Partnered with WICK Poetry Center and Kent State University.

Presented by City of Kent

June 21st at 11:00 AM

The second stop on the Xtinguish Torch Fest

City of Cuyahoga Falls
Waterworks Park

The next stop on the Xtinguish Torch Fest is in the dynamic City of Cuyahoga Falls. The dramatic white waters in this stretch of river give this region a unique opportunity for both viewing as well as skilled kayaking.

With reps coming in from Kent on kayak/canoe to “pass the torch”, this site will also include an arts/cultural/music fest, a “passing of the torch” ceremony with local officials and River Stewards, the installation and dedication of a commemorative Eternal Flame on the river, and the showcasing of this destination along the Cuyahoga River Water Trail!

Presented by City of Cuyahoga Falls

June 21st at 1:00 PM

The third stop on the Xtinguish Torch Fest

City of Akron/ Summit Metro Parks
Cascade Valley Metro Park

With reps coming in from Cuyahoga Falls on kayak/canoe to “pass the torch”, this site will also include an arts/cultural/music fest, a “passing of the torch” ceremony with local officials and River Stewards, the installation and dedication of a commemorative Eternal Flame on the river, and the showcasing of this destination along the Cuyahoga River Water Trail!

Presented by The City of Akron

June 21st at 4:00 PM

The fourth stop on the Xtinguish Torch Fest

Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Station Road

With reps coming in from The City of Akron/Summit Metroparks on kayak/canoe to “pass the torch”, this site will also include an arts/cultural/music fest, a “passing of the torch” ceremony with local officials and River Stewards, the installation and dedication of a commemorative Eternal Flame on the river, and the showcasing of this destination along the Cuyahoga River Water Trail! The Steward leaving this location will exit via the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

Presented by the Cuyahoga Valley National Park

June 22nd at 1:00 PM

The Terminus of the Xtinguish Torch Fest

Share The River’s “Blazing Paddles”
Downtown Cleveland

Here, the official designation of the Cuyahoga River Water Trail will be christened, the ceremony of the “passing of the torch” will conclude with local officials and River Stewards, and Cleveland’s Eternal Flame will be officially dedicated to the Cuyahoga River as one complete waterway that has been brought together in solidarity and celebration.